Death By Butterfly

This happened recently and it hit me pretty hard. I've experienced few deaths in life - never one so close to home.

In the kitchen when I recieved the news

My youngest brother passed away at school

Butterflies bit him, his tongue swelled

Stopped his breathing

Killed by an allergic reaction

I felt so empty and then was angry

"How could he die for something so stupid?"

Grim resignation set in

There was nothing I could do

It was never going to change

He was never coming home

With butterflies to blame

No tears

Screaming

Begging and pleading

Or mass genocide of butterflies

Would ever bring him back

But then, mercifully, he appeared outside the window

I took him by the hand, looked into his eyes

He told me, simply, "Don't worry.

You'll see me again in Armageddon."

Immediately, I felt relief - soothed by his demeanor

Such a thoughtful and selfless little boy...

When I woke up, I was eternally grateful

I gave him a hug, I told him I loved him

I gave him a kiss, I pushed him away

And I bit back tears for the rest of the day

Author's Note

WORST. DREAM. EVER.
I'm surprised I resisted the urge to rhyme.

Reviews

[B0Beauxs]

Wow, I didn't realise this was a dream at first and read it with my gut wrenching.

It's a really amazing poem- I've shelved it in my library, and I've only ever shelved three poems. The subject matter is obviously really sad (Thank god it's just dream), but you wrote so beautifully I was almost in tears over your loss, my breath was held throughout and it was such a relief that your brother didn't die.

I love the third stanza, particularly it's flow and the little bit of rhyme. But overall your decision not to rhyme the poem too much gave it so much power.

It's just astounding.

[FeliciaS (Poetic Prince..]

Actually hun, just do what you do. Seriously. Dreams can have meaning & waking up can suddenly change your perspective on things. I liked it.

[Tali Katzman]

oh wow,well butterflies are a very gentel very positive image,which you twisted into something,well...not so nice and gentel,but it's a dream and no one has control over those.

Anyway,I liked it,cant review on grammer and stuff,dreams can be annoyingly realistic even if they dont make sense.

[Thomas Philmore Jackson]

I to lost my younger brother recently. Thank you for not trying to rhyme as it might not have the same impact as it does now. The final stanza works as it shows all the emotions you were holding inside and the power you had to over come the pain and move on.
Thank you for sharing.

[mope]

I enjoyed the way the penultimate stanza toyed with what was reality and this worked well as a precursor to the last stanza. Not to mention the first half was absolutely utterly real.

I'm glad you didn't rhyme - it would belittle this one.

[zendikar]

Everyone know butterflies are evil... lol but wow that is a terrible dream but nonetheless you described it very well your imagery is good!

[Jonathan Ballam]

Back in high school I remembered having a terribly eccentric teacher tell us to write down in our books:

'I woke up and it was all a dream' story = death

Although I don't hate this poem, I do think the last stanza is a bit of a buzz kill. Despite the fact that the poem seems far from normal, pretty please don't tell everyone else that you woke up and everything seemed to resolve itself. In my experience nothing improves, or sorts itself out, as soon as we wake up.

Anyway enough rambling, you've got some interesting images working for you here! ;D

[Carolina Kel]

Nicely written for a tough subject.